The University of Minnesota will ask the Legislature for a 10 percent raise over the next two years — an extra $126 million — to help hold down tuition, improve graduation rates and advance research to improve the state's economy and natural resources.
It's also asking for an additional $7 million to operate the new Bell Museum and Planetarium and $14 million to restore lost funding for a medical training program.
The total request, which was endorsed Friday by the Board of Regents, would increase the state's contribution to $675 million next year and $725 million in the 2018-19 school year.
Most of the new funds would be divided among four initiatives over the next two years, according to university officials:
• $22 million for student success. This includes expanding high-demand programs in science, technology, engineering and math, which are often filled to capacity; and programs to help students graduate on time and improve access for underrepresented students.
• $32 million for MnDRIVE, which supports research on health and economic development.
• $68 million for the university's core mission, to hold down tuition increases and support "each facet of its mission."
• $4 million for natural resources research on the Duluth campus.
